Emerging DO panel discussion to explore navigating med school and the Match as a first-generation student

On Nov. 19, 2026, the AOiA’s Emerging DO Platform will present a free virtual panel discussion about navigating medical school, residency applications and the Match as a first-generation DO student. This event is designed to provide actionable advice, real-world insights and support from physicians and residents representing a variety of specialties.  

Panelists will discuss choosing a specialty, building a competitive application, audition rotations, mentorship, research, interviews and transitioning to residency. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions and topics during registration. 

The 75-minute event will include a moderated panel discussion followed by specialty breakout rooms, allowing attendees to connect directly with panelists based on their interests and career goals.

The panel discussion will take place on Nov. 19 from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. CT. It is designed for first-generation DO students, but all DO students are welcome to attend. Register on Emerging DO’s registration page.

Confirmed panelists 

The following individuals will be participating in the panel discussion.

Joshua D. Lenchus, DO, RPh
Lead senior medical director, Aetna
Internal medicine / hospital medicine 

Alexander King, DO
OMM department chair, associate professor and residency director
Osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine 

Alissa Hendricks-Wenger, DO, PhD
Interventional radiology resident and physician-scientist, Mayo Clinic Florida
Interventional radiology

Taylor Pickering, DO
General surgery chief resident and incoming cardiothoracic surgery fellow
General surgery / cardiothoracic surgery 

Rebekah Costello, DO
Attending physician
Family medicine 

Scott Cyrus, DO
Practice president and professor of pediatrics
Pediatrics 

Daniel Hyman, DO
Attending physician
Dermatology 

Meenhaj Kabir, DO
Attending physician
Nephrology 

Nathan Ng, DO
Internal medicine resident

Angela Helmholdt Neubeck, DO
Attending physician
Anesthesiology

Related reading:

First-generation medical student forges her own path in osteopathic medicine

How this first-generation DO found his purpose through osteopathic medicine